These are the regions and labels that are most common to you when you select wines.
1. Italy
Italy has beaten France since the last check-in on production, but both countries have experienced major shifts in their production over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2015, Italy ramped production up nearly 40%, reviving their wine industry that had been flagging for the previous decade.
Top wine cities: Tuscany, Naples, Piedmont, and Veneto
Major grape varieties: Sangiovese, Glera, Montepulciano, Trebbiano Toscano, and Barbera
Most popular wines: Trebbiano toscano (also known as ugni blanc) and Chianti classico
2. France
While France and Italy compete for the top wine production region of the world, they are also reducing wine production every year. France has lowered production by at least 11% since 2007.
Top wine regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, and Loire Valley
Major grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, pinot noir, Gamay, and Carignan
Most popular wines: Rosé and cabernet sauvignon
3. Spain
Spain is home to the largest vineyard acreage in the world. Despite this fact, Spain also has much lower wine yields than neighboring France and Italy, resulting in less total wine.
Top wine cities: Rioja, the Sherry Triangle (Jerez, Sanlúcar, and El Puerto), Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Valencia
Major grape varieties: Grenache, Tempranillo, Graciano, Moscato, and Airén
Most popular wines: Rioja and albariño
4. United States
90% of wine from the United States is from California. California is home to the world’s largest wine producer, Gallo, in Modesto, CA.
Top wine regions: Willamette Valley, OR; Napa Valley and Modesto, CA; and Walla Walla Valley, WA
Major grape varieties: Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon blanc
Most popular wines: Cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay
5. Argentina
Argentina continues to grow its wine production year after year resulting in a massive growth rate, but relies on wine exports.
Top wine cities: Mendoza, Cafayate, Córdoba, Rio Negro, and Patagonia
Major grape varieties: Bonarda, Malbec, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Torrontés
Most popular wines: Malbec and chardonnay
6. Australia
Australia relies primarily on the wine export market. Since the US dollar has weakened, Australia is expanding its wine marketing in Hong Kong and Asia.
Top wine regions: McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley, Tamar Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Barossa Valley
Major grape varieties: Shiraz, Sémillon, Riesling, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Most popular wines: Syrah and chardonnay